#130 Must-Ask Photographer Questions With Kathy Thomas

Kathy Thomas is AWESOME. We love talking to photographers on the podcast and we’ve had a few episodes with guests that are professional wedding photographers. Kathy has great advice for hiring a wedding photographer - stuff we haven’t heard before. She even surprised us with some of her tips and tricks - specifically for couples heading to their initial consultation with a photographer. You know, the meeting where you decide if you want to hire this photographer or not! It’s important! We talk a lot about how this decision isn’t just about budget. There’s more to it, much more, and Kathy is showing us the way...she’s wise. We loved having her on the podcast. Big Takeaways A photographer’s ‘ideal client’ for weddings is a couple that trusts the photographer. Kathy knows she will be a great fit with the client when there is an immediate connection between her and the couple. You can’t fake that connection. She takes the initial interview as a way to really get to know them. She is clear that a client (couple) has to let her in for the relationship to work, and the product to be what the client wants. An engagement session is important! It allows the photographer to get to know the couple. It helps to start with a cocktail! (She is not the first photographer that told us this.) But Kathy doesn’t consider the engagement session totally necessary. But the face-time is what’s really important. So if you aren’t going to have an engagement session for some reason, make sure you at least get to have one face-to-face meeting with the photographer. You need this familiarity. Things you can ask your photographer (before you hire them!) And do a little research ahead of time so that you are prepared for different answers... What camera equipment does she use? How does she back up her files? Does she bring extra equipment and backup batteries etc on the wedding day? What’s up with the assistant? Is the assistant a second shooter? Will Kathy review and oversee the assistant’s photos after the event? Does the assistant have their own company? Can you see the assistant’s work too? Do you edit the photos or outsource that service? How will the time be spent during the wedding day? (Like half and half with bride and groom each getting ready, for example) Will you create a wedding day timeline for us? The important thing is to be forthcoming and honest! Links we referenced http://www.kathythomasphotography.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kathythomasphoto/ The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is... Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez. Edited by Veronica Gruba Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention! Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook. Easy to get in touch with. Email us at [email protected] or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode On Patreon. Become a member and with as little as $6.99 per month, you get 2 exclusive, ad-free episodes, + Zoom Happy Hour with Michelle and fellow patrons every month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices